Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Elk Grove is 14% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,180/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 15%
$122,229/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 23%
$603,400 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 15%
$2,227/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 3%
177,221
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $28,708/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Naperville — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Naperville?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Naperville?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $28,708/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Naperville

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona